Louisville Restaurant News | Holly Hill Inn to launch bourbon society

The newly created 1785 Bourbon Society from Holly Hill Inn in Midway aims to educate bourbon drinkers and enhance their appreciation for bourbon through activities including palate training, mixology, food pairings and cooking with bourbon as well as help participants gain an understanding of bourbon's origins and history. Tasting classes, bourbon-themed dinners, presentations by bourbon makers and field trips to bourbon producers are also on tap.

Tim Knittel, a professional bourbon educator and former general manager of Holly Hill Inn's Culinary Program at Woodford Reserve Distillery, directs the program. The society is named for the year Bourbon County was formed.

"This is such a natural project for us. We're located in the heartbeat of bourbon country and our experience with operating a similar program, our very successful Wine Guild, has been wonderful," says Ouita Michel, chef/owner at Holly Hill and chef-in-residence at the Woodford Reserve Distillery. "Much as with wine, the flavors of bourbon pair really nicely with the cuisine we offer at Holly Hill."

The first meeting and dinner, scheduled for Feb. 22, sold out quickly, but plans for more are under way. Membership in the society is free, with events priced individually; email steve@hollyhillinn.com to join.